It's amusing that you'd quote Renault on this question, as Renault have done exactly this - one of their 'daughter' companies, Dacia in Romania, builds a nice, rugged, simple car with a higher ground clearance called the Logan - built for life in Eastern Europe, Russia, the Middle East.  Renault brings some into France - where they are a hit, selling big numbers, as the Renault Logan.  

Simple car, cheaper price, very popular, especially in rural areas.

James
Ottawa, ON

> Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2015 13:11:33 -0700
> From: starwagen@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: Friday post: Why are new vehicles connected to the Net?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 

> Where is the Renault 4 CV when we need it?  (big grin here)